Lester Kooistra

  Lester Keith Kooistra, age 56, of Lynden, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, after a courageous two-year battle with ALS.
  Les was born on Nov. 30, 1958, in LeMars, Iowa, to Gerrit and Priscilla Kooistra. After graduating from Rock Valley High School, he attended police academy at Western Iowa Tech before beginning his career as a police officer in Sioux Center, Iowa. It was there that he met his future wife, Karen. They were married on May 8, 1982, and made their home in Sioux Center where they welcomed two children, Kristopher Gerrit and Leslie Grace. In 1992, Les and Karen moved their family to Lynden, where Les began a new career with UPS. He enjoyed his years as a man in brown and delivered thousands of packages to customers in Bellingham during his 23 years with UPS. Les was an avid hunter and took great delight in spending early mornings hunting with friends and his son, Kris. He and Karen enjoyed any time spent in the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. Les was known as a handyman and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his servant heart, his hard work ethic and his unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as he faced insurmountable odds battling ALS.
  Les is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Karen; son Kris and his wife Hannah and their daughter, Dallas Joy; daughter Leslie and her husband Brett Van Weerdhuizen and their son, Kaden; parents-in-law Donald and Ada Wiersma; sister Linda Smith; brothers Howard (Vicky), Mike (Ranae) and Gawin (Sally); brothers-in-law Daniel (Karen) Wiersma and Donald (Sue) Wiersma; sisters-in-law Sharon (Denny) Rowenhorst and Becky (Darrell) Packard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
  Les was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Priscilla Kooistra.
  Private family graveside services will be conducted at Greenwood Cemetery. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. in Sonlight Community Christian Reformed Church of Lynden with Pastor Ben De Regt officiating.
  Memorial contributions are suggested to: ALS Evergreen Chapter, 19226 66th Ave. S., #L-105, Kent, WA 98032; or Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Pkwy., Bellingham, WA 98225.
  You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
  Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.